The hidden costs of cheap flowers

Who hasn’t been tempted by cheap flowers? Supermarkets and online flower retailers lure us in with budget-friendly bouquets, but if you dig a little deeper, the value of these “bargains” becomes questionable. While the initial cost may seem appealing, you’re often sacrificing quality, freshness, and longevity. Cheap flowers are typically mass-produced, bought in bulk, and transported over long distances in refrigerated trucks, which impacts their overall quality and lifespan.

Buying flowers from a trusted Christchurch florist like Fleur by DK, however, ensures that you’re getting fresh, carefully selected blooms sourced from local markets and growers. Unlike mass-produced flowers, florist-bought blooms are handled with care and are intended to offer longer-lasting beauty and impact.

Signs of cheap flower quality

Cheap flowers may look attractive at first glance, but their flaws become apparent rather quickly. Here are some tell-tale signs of low-quality flowers:

1. Wilting or drooping stems

Cheap flowers often have weak or drooping stems that struggle to support the weight of the flower head. This drooping is a sign of poor hydration, structural weakness, or improper handling during transportation. These stems are often yellow or brown, lacking the vitality to stay upright in a vase.

In contrast, Fleur by DK’s florist-quality flowers have firm, green stems that are expertly cut and arranged to maximize hydration, longevity, and vibrancy. When you buy from a florist, you can trust that the flowers are crafted to maintain their structure and beauty.

2. Crispy, discoloured petals

Cheap flowers often display signs of stress, such as crispy or discoloured petals, especially on delicate blooms like roses or lilies. These flowers may have endured rough handling, exposure to extreme temperatures, or inadequate watering, resulting in a tired, aged appearance.

Fleur by DK selects only the freshest, most vibrant blooms from local markets and growers. Each bouquet is closely monitored for freshness to ensure that every petal is smooth, bright, and evenly coloured. When you buy from a florist, you’re guaranteed flowers that look fresh and beautiful for much longer.

3. Lack of fragrance and scent

One of the most noticeable aspects of cheap flowers is their lack of fragrance. Commercially grown flowers are often selected for their visual appeal and longevity, not their scent. Growers frequently prioritise bloom size and disease resistance over fragrance, meaning that many supermarket flowers lack the characteristic scent we associate with fresh blooms.

At Fleur by DK, our florists believe that scent is an essential part of the floral experience. Our flowers are chosen for their fragrance as well as their beauty, creating a multi-sensory experience with every bouquet. When you step into our Christchurch store, you’re greeted by a rich tapestry of natural floral scents, a delight for the senses that online and supermarket flowers simply can’t replicate.